Spousal Open Work Permit

Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

The Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) enables eligible spouses or common-law partners of specific temporary residents in Canada to legally work for any employer without needing a job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This permit plays a crucial role in supporting family reunification while contributing to Canada’s economic and labour market objectives through legally authorized employment participation.

Key Questions

All About Canadian Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

An open work permit allowing spouses or partners of certain temporary residents to work in Canada without employment restriction.

Allows legal employment across Canada with no employer-specific restrictions or conditions.
Issued to eligible spouses or partners of international students and foreign workers.
No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) required before submitting the application.
Validity is typically tied to the principal applicant’s permit duration in Canada.
Supports Canadian immigration goals by facilitating family reunification and economic participation.

Spouses or partners of specific foreign workers, international students, or eligible permit holders, meeting updated IRCC requirements, qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit under set eligibility criteria.

The permit’s validity aligns with the primary applicant’s study or work permit, typically up to its expiry date.

No job offer is required. SOWP applications do not necessitate pre-arranged employment or an employer-specific LMIA, as they fall under open work permit regulations.

Yes, if the principal applicant maintains valid status in Canada, and eligibility criteria continue to be met, extensions of Spousal Open Work Permits are possible.

Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

Categories in
Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

Spouses or Common-Law Partners of International Students

Eligible only if the student is enrolled full-time in a master’s, doctoral, or professional degree program at a designated learning institution (DLI) that is Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)-eligible.

Spouses or Common-Law Partners of Foreign Workers

Permitted only if the principal applicant works in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or select TEER 2 and 3 roles within critical sectors as defined by IRCC.

Spouses or Common-Law Partners of Work Permit Holders under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

Spouses of eligible permit holders under international FTAs, such as CUSMA or CETA, may qualify for a SOWP as per Canada’s treaty obligations.

Extension of Existing SOWPs

Permitted if the principal applicant maintains valid status, and the spousal relationship and original eligibility criteria remain unchanged throughout the permit period.

Legal Compliance

Full Legal Compliance with End-to-End Service Framework

Licensed Experts

Licensed Experts in Canadian and U.S. Immigration Systems

Strategic Integration

Strategic Integration of Business and Immigration Solutions

Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) BENEFITS

Why Choose
Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

Open Employment

Allows unrestricted legal employment with any eligible Canadian employer across sectors.

Permit Duration

Work permit remains valid as long as spouse’s permit remains valid.

No LMIA Requirement

Does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment from any Canadian employer.

Family Unification

Promotes family unity while enabling legal workforce participation for spouses.

CONTACT FOR Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

When to Contact Us
for Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

Contact Cross Cosmic before submission to ensure eligibility compliance, documentation accuracy, and lawful processing under current Canadian immigration regulations.

Need Application Review Support

When preparing documents or forms for submission to Immigration Canada.

Program or Status Change

When your spouse changes academic program or employment classification in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria Changes

IRCC announces new policy updates affecting spousal permit qualifications.

TEER Code Clarification Needed

If unsure about the principal applicant’s occupational eligibility under TEER codes.

Permit Renewal Time Approaching

If your existing spousal open work permit is expiring soon.

KNOW WHEN TO CONNECT WITH US

THE process

Steps to Success
& how we excel

Connect with
Expert

Finalize the Program(s) & ways

Filing Process Starts - Documentation

Success

benefits choosing us

Why you should
choose our services

Cross-Cosmic offers structured expertise across immigration and business pathways, ensuring legally sound processes, strategic alignment, timely execution, and clear communication throughout your immigration journey.

Strategic Guidance

In-depth program alignment ensuring eligibility, documentation accuracy, and timely execution.

Ethical Practice

Compliance-focused processes led by authorized experts delivering transparent case handling.

Dual Expertise

Integrated immigration and business support through qualified, sector-experienced professionals.

Results Focus

Consistent delivery across programs through preparation, precision, and proactive engagement.

300+ Trusted Clients

Most experienced
Immigration & Business services

Cross Cosmic delivers premium Canadian and US immigration solutions through licensed RCICs and attorneys, combining legal precision with strategic pathways for individuals and businesses.

67+

Businesses
Incubated & Expanded

378+

Immigration
Files Processed

98%

Success
Rate

Professional Team

Meet Our Expert
Consultants & Lawyers

Immigration & Visa Consulting

let,s work together

We denounce with righteous indignation and like men
beguiled and demoralized by the charms

Need Help For Project!

We are ready to help your next projects, let’s work together

Contact Info